Frequently Asked Questions About Microcement
Considering microcement for your project? Here are answers to some of the main questions you might have including its application process, cost considerations, and maintenance.
Microcement is a popular choice for homeowners, designers, and contractors alike due to its versatility and durability; suitable for application almost everywhere, able to withstand any condition, and easy to take care of. Keep reading to learn all about our favorite surface material.
What is microcement?
Microcement, also known as microconcrete or microtopping, is a thin cement-based coating applied to surfaces to create a seamless coating. Applied by hand in layers totalling 1/8” thick, microcement features adhesive agents in its composition, which enables you to install it directly over existing materials.
Where can microcement be used?
Microcement is incredibly versatile and can be applied to:
Floors
Walls
Ceilings
Joinery
Bathrooms (including wet areas like showers)
Kitchens
Furniture
External surfaces
Its ability to adhere to old concrete, tiles, plasterboard, wood and more substrates makes it a go-to choice for renovations.
What are the benefits of microcement?
Key benefits include:
Seamless finish with no joints or grout lines.
Durability and high resistance to scratches, impacts, and wear.
Waterproofing makes it suitable for all wet areas including bathrooms and pools (when sealed properly).
Customization is available with various color and texture finishes (learn about the X-Bond range here).
Easy application by hand over existing surfaces will reduce renovation time, cost, and mess.
Is microcement waterproof?
Yes, when properly sealed and preceded with a liquid waterproofing membrane, microcement is fully waterproof. This makes it suitable for surfaces exposed to water: bathroom flooring, showers, sinks, saunas, kitchen benchtops, balconies, outdoor areas, and swimming pools.
When sealed, microcement becomes non-porous — making it a more water-friendly alternative to concrete.
How long does microcement last?
With proper installation and maintenance, microcement can last over 20 years. Its durability depends on factors such as the quality of materials, the skill of the applicator, and adherence to care guidelines. This is why it’s important you choose a trustworthy microcement product from reputable, experienced surface engineers — SEMCO Surfaces is the home of the oldest microcement on the market, supplying X-Bond around the world since 1991.
Can microcement crack?
While microcement is flexible and therefore designed to resist cracking, improper installation or substrate movement can lead to issues. To minimize this risk:
Ensure a stable, well-prepared substrate.
Use a professional applicator with experience in microcement.
Follow maintenance guidelines to prevent excessive wear.
SEMCO X-Bond is one of the most flexible microcement formulations, innovated specially by our engineers to withstand moving substrates (and with guaranteed resistance to de-lamination). Using the advanced anti-fracture properties of Liquid Membrane, SEMCO installers will reinforce a vulnerable substrate before X-Bond application for lasting results.
How do you maintain microcement surfaces?
Microcement is low maintenance. To keep it looking its best, just cean with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or coarse tools. X-Bond has been installed in plenty of high-traffic areas, from schools and shopping malls to a fire station.
How much does microcement cost?
Costs vary. An installer will quote your job depending on the project size, areas and substrates of application, complexity, and chosen finish. It also differs for every microcement product. We explain this more in our recent blog post about the factors which influence microcement pricing.
In this project, X-Bond Microcemet was used to surface all outdoor walls and flooring — and inside the pool.
Can I apply microcement myself?
While DIY application kits are available at some companies, the SEMCO Surfaces X-Bond Microcement is not sold directly to market.
We know our product X-Bond is unmatched when it comes to durability and performance, but improper application will lead to faults down the line. The X-Bond application system involves more than skill with a hand trowel; you also need to be familiar with substrate preparation methods, waterproofing, and sealing to ensure correct installation of the X-Bond system from start to finish.
This is easy for someone with rendering experience; but someone who hasn’t worked with similar products may not be able to execute the application correctly without guidance. We’re working on a way to confidently offer X-Bond for DIY. Stay tuned!
Is microcement eco-friendly and safe for your health?
Microcement is considered eco-friendly because it requires less material than traditional construction methods, and can be applied over existing surfaces which reduces the need for demolition (generates minimal waste for landfill).
At SEMCO, we have been proudly using environmentally friendly materials since 1991, long before the EPA tested for VOC. X-Bond Microcement is a green, low V.O.C. content material, making it ideal for an open remodel because of its non-hazardous properties.
In one of our X-Bond projects, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) measured the volatile organic compound (VOC); numbers were so low, that the agent retrieved a second machine from his vehicle to test it again and got the same results!
How long does microcement application take?
Generally, a project will be completed in around 5 days including prep, installation, and drying. This can vary depending on the extent of the installation, for example if you’re resurfacing numerous different areas throughout the home versus just one bathroom.
What microcement colors and finishes are available?
Microcement can be mixed in a wide range of colors. You can also ask us to create a custom shade. In terms of textural finishes, there’s plenty of versatility as microcement is hand applied. We have five standard X-Bond finishes, each achieved with a slightly different application process.
If you're considering microcement for your next project, we hope we’ve been able to answer all your questions. For more FAQs, you can read our Microcement Guide
Contact our team to inquire about microcement installation in the US.